From: Melody Allen <melody_allen>
Date: Thu, 19 Dec 2002 13:54:27 -0500

I had sent this message in the new voices discussion but it did not go through. Chris Dowling nicely fixed the problem so I will repost it now with comments on some other fiction titles I like this year.

new voice - I would like to mention Becoming Joe DiMaggio by Maria Testa. While I admit there is local interest here for a writer originally from Rhode Island, I think her novel told in 24 poems captures the emotions of a boy who is remote from his father who is often imprisoned but close as can be to his grandfather. In terse yet tender language and word images, Testa takes this boy from childhood to manhood, guided by his grandfather to become his own person, separate from his disappointing father and also from his idol. Based on the story of her own father, one can only hope Testa can maintain the intensity in future books. Here her powerful verse will resonate with young readers.

I also found the latest Joey book quite a read - although to me the parents are just too crazy to believe. Joey and his grandmother are so vivid to me and have such a great rapport that I want it to go on. The blind girl is a wonderful foil for Joey and heightens the humor as well as his maturing sense of control over his actions and moods.

Goddess of Yesterday by Caroline Cooney surprised me with a strong female protagonist, rich period detail, and a story arousing interest in Greek mythology. Quite a driving plot.

Pictures of Hollis Woods grabbed me despite some credibility questions. I so wanted to know what had happened in the previous foster family and wanted this great kid
(like Gilly Hopkins) to have a happy ending.

Finally, Coraline brought goosebumps and satisfied my desire to have it fulfill many fantasy conventions - very well thought out and tied together story - and totally memorable.

Melody Allen melody_allen at gw.doa.state.ri.us
Received on Thu 19 Dec 2002 12:54:27 PM CST